sayrevilleThe Sayreville School District in New Jersey is working with Abernathy MacGregor Group on crisis communications as administrators cope with a football hazing scandal drawing national attention.

Sayreville War Memorial High School blazed into the news cycle last week after superintendent Richard Labbe cancelled its football season amid reports of sexual abuse and harassment among students in the football program.

The Star-Ledger reported Oct. 15 that Labbe stopped returning phone calls and text messages from reporters on Oct. 14.

Abernathy MacGregor is now handling media inquiries, reportedly under an agreement with the school district's insurer. The firm has previously said its crisis engagements for insurers can speed up resolution of a crisis, "moderate ill-will" and reduce costs and the likelihood of litigation.

The football scandal has rocked the central New Jersey community. The episode been spun into an ongoing narrative over college hazing and violence in professional football, extending its stay in the news cycle.

Seven football players – all juveniles – have been charged with aggravated sexual assault, conspiracy and hazing, among other charges.

New York-based Abernathy MacGregor is part of Havas.